The role of migrant networks in global migration governance and development

This study reconceptualises migrant networks as small-scale forms of migration governance. Acting as transnational network structures, migrant networks are able to fill some of the gaps in the currently fragmented global migration governance system. This includes addressing common migration governance objectives, such as reducing issues created by criminal networks, decreasing tensions between migrants and host communities, and improving the safety and dignity of migrants. Further, this study aims to discuss relevant migrant-development nexus effects of migrant networks as migration governance structures, in terms of a migrant's individual developments as well as development in both the home and destination countries. Migrant networks have great interest in positive development for individual migrants because it would strengthen the network; the migrant would be better able to support future migrants in addition to members remaining in the home country. Migrant development may also have positive effects for the destination country, through the provision of higher-skilled work, and for the home country, through associated remittances and relevant support for network members in the home country.